You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you? A timeless classic, remade as 3D video game took flight “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D” is born.
This title, as the pessimistic and gloomy sequel to Nintendo’s magnum opus, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” had recently been divulged for re-release on the Nintendo 3DS. Announced in November 2014, we have: “The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D,” a truthful remake to its Nintendo 64 counterpart.
Similar to “Ocarina of Time 3D,” this remake retains every aspect of the original iteration, albeit new graphical updates and additions to keep the experience fresh for old and new players. “Majora’s Mask 3D,” for those willing, is sure to induce the nostalgic frenzy of those itching for another shot to save the land of Termina yet again. For those unfamiliar, you’ll have 72 hours to right the wrongs, which the Skull Kid has wrought. Will Termina be saved from total and utter destruction? Let time be your guide as you delve into the inner workings of this new land. If you have yet to play this glorious title, you have much to look forward to.
For those who played the original, it’s just as you remember it. Link, accompanied by his companion Epona, is still fresh off his adventure in “Ocarina of Time.” He finds himself in Termina, having spent months looking for his friend, Navi, who departed at the end of the previous game. In the midst of all this, the Skull Kid, the epitome of mischief and the primary antagonist, greets Link. After a scuffle, the Skull Kid gets away with Epona and Link is left in confusion. To make matters worse, Link somehow manages to turn into a Deku Shrub, a plant-based creature that happens to be prevalent in Termina. From there the chase is on as Link, in his helpless Deku Shrub state, attempts to track down the Skull Kid before Termina is destroyed.
A dark and dreary take on the Legend of Zelda series, “Majora’s Mask 3D,” like the original, has a primary focus on time. The game utilizes a three-day time system, which the player has at their disposal. That means having only 72 in-game hours to defeat the Skull Kid before the moon destroys Termina. Your time management is only regulated by reciting the Song of Time via Link’s Ocarina, which you can do occasionally to regain those 72 hours back. Aside from the obvious, changes between the original version and 3D range from subtle to extremely noticeable in some regard. This includes updated graphics, with this iteration running at a solid 30fps from the original’s 20fps. Shiekah Stones have been added for hints, a recurring element present from Skyward Sword and OOT3D, slight alterations in Masks, revamped item system, a new mini-game and more miscellaneous changes of many kinds.
This remake is quite literally a portable and more easily accessible version of the original “Majora’s Mask.” As a Zelda title, it’s brilliant in almost every category. As a remake, it retains gameplay between it and the original fluidly but does not offer much incentive for a re-purchase. Whether or not it does justify a second purchase depends on whether the consumer would be willing to play through, arguably, the same game again. For new players that have yet to play “Majora,” nor be unfamiliar with the series as a whole, “Majora’s Mask 3D” is a great place to begin as you take on the role of the Hero of Time.
As the dawn of the new day arrives; as time continues to tick in Clocktown, the world is soon to end. Only 72 hours to bring peace as the moon slowly falls; ad infinitum. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D is now out in stores for $40.
